A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Toulon vs. Santiago de Compostela for Attractions, Old Town, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Toulon or Santiago de Compostela?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Toulon and Santiago de Compostela can help you decide which place is right for you.

Toulon

Toulon is a real world, industrial, and authentic port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a historic, religious, and inspirational city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Toulon and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulon or Santiago de Compostela?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santiago de Compostela than Toulon. While Toulon is larger than Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santiago de Compostela is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and hiking, while Toulon attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Toulon and is known for its classic old town, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and its significance as the culmination point for the Camino de Santiago. It is also well known for the Cathedral of Santiago. Toulon is famous for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Toulon different from Santiago de Compostela?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santiago de Compostela and Toulon. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Toulon or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Santiago de Compostela that are not to be missed. The iconic Cathedral of Santiago has long attracted pilgrims and travelers from around Europe and the world. The spectacular sight includes a museum and the crypt and tomb of Saint James. Another interesting sight in town is the former hostel for pilgrims, the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos. Also make sure you visit Plaza del Obradoiro and the Galician Center of Contemporary Art.

Toulon offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many of the sights are found in the old town and harbor areas. Some of the most interesting attractions include the Opera House, the Allied Landings Museum, the Naval Museum, and Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds.

Is the Food Better in Toulon or Santiago de Compostela? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santiago de Compostela is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Santiago de Compostela makes for a great culinary experience. Galician food has plenty of fresh seafood, lots of local beef, and regional vegetables that are seasonal and locally grown. Make sure you try the polbo á feira (boiled octopus), pimientos de padrón (fried green peppers), and steamed mussels.

Toulon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a variety of cafes and restaurants that are found along the harbor or in the old town. Whether you want waterfront views or a charming street front cafe, there are great options available. Many restaurants offer local seafood but you'll also find pastries, traditional local food, a several Italian restaurants.

Is Toulon or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

Santiago de Compostela is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Santiago de Compostela offers plenty to do in the evening. As a university city, much of the nightlife is created by the student population. You'll find a lot of bars around Rúa de Santiago de Chile and Rúa de San Pedro de Mezonzo as well as along Rúa do Franco.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Toulon. It's a relatively large city and traditionally a sailor's town, so the city has a long running tradition of partying into the night. While it doesn't have the party-hard reputation of some places, you likely won't be bored at night. Head to the harbor area or the beaches around Mourillon for the most lively bars and cafes.

Is Toulon or Santiago de Compostela Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a port city with a few options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Toulon has a few snorkeling spots. There are a few beaches in the area that are worth checking out with a mask and snorkel. You'll likely see some underwater life hanging out by the rocks in the quieter areas.

Santiago de Compostela is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Toulon or Santiago de Compostela Better for Beaches?

Toulon is a popular place for the beache. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Toulon is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches are sandy and less crowded than some of the more popular areas. The most accessible beach is Mourillon Beach which has public facilities and restaurants. If you're willing to venture a little farther from the center of town you'll find Mitre Beach which has some snorkeling. Battere Basse Beach is a bit quieter and also has snorkeling. Anse de Méjean is a popular spot with the locals.

Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Is Toulon or Santiago de Compostela Better for its Old Town?

Santiago de Compostela is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Toulon is not a good port city for its old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Santiago de Compostela offers plenty to see. The old town reflects the city's importance in the Christian religion. There are Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings that draw Christian pilgrims from around the world.

You can check out the historic old town in Toulon. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

Is Toulon or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Toulon is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Santiago de Compostela specifically for its hiking. This small city is the culmination point for the famed Camino de Santiago. The 780 kilometer route is followed by pilgrims and travelers who seek enlightenment or adventure. Hikers travel both independently or as part of organized tours.

Toulon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Toulon or Santiago de Compostela?

Both Toulon and Santiago de Compostela are great shopping destinations.

Toulon is an extremely popular place for shoppers. If you're looking for traditional local shopping opportunities then this is your place. There are a number of traditional Provençal markets around town but the most famous is Cours Lafayette. You can shop with the locals looking for produce or flowers. There's also a weekend farmers market, Petit Cours, that is fun to explore.

Santiago de Compostela is well-known for its shopping. There are local markets, souvenir shops, and boutiques where you can buy items to commemorate the completion of your hike or your visit to town.

Is Toulon or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Toulon or Santiago de Compostela.

Toulon is a family-friendly place to visit. The city may be known as a hub for the French navy, but there are also activities that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There are several military themed museums, a few good beaches, and local shopping. There's also the enjoyable cable car ride that you can take to the top of Mont Faron as well as several nice seaside walks in the area.

Santiago de Compostela is a family-friendly port city. The city has a sightseeing train as well as parks and playgrounds that kids can enjoy. A visit to the Museum of the Galician People is also fascinating for the whole family. Visiting the colorful markets around town is fun as well.

Is Toulon or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

Both Toulon and Santiago de Compostela are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Toulon is a nice destination for couples. Couples will appreciate the walks along the coast or through the harbor. There are also nice restaurants, interesting art galleries, and a few good hotels around town that make for a nice couple's weekend.

Santiago de Compostela makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The cobblestone streets and beautiful gardens make this a nice place for a couple's getaway. There are viewpoints that look out over the town as well as interesting buildings and great architecture.

Is Toulon or Santiago de Compostela Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santiago de Compostela is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Santiago de Compostela. Backpackers hiking the Camino del Santiago will be rewarded with a beautiful city and many nice sights. There are plenty of hostels around town where backpackers can meet other travelers and swap stories.

It's common for backpackers to visit Toulon. It doesn't have the reputation of many nearby towns along the French Riviera, so you can still find some affordable hostels and cafes in the area. You also won't find the crowds so you can enjoy a touch of the authentic local culture.

Is Toulon or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

Santiago de Compostela is very good for students. However, Toulon is not popular with students.

Santiago de Compostela is a good city to visit for students. It's a small city with many students during the week, but on weekends it quiets down as many students leave town.

Toulon is not popular with students.

Is Toulon or Santiago de Compostela Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Toulon and Santiago de Compostela offer nice public transit options.

Toulon has a few public transit options. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take around town.

Santiago de Compostela has some public transit options. There are buses around town that are operated by Tralusa.

Is Toulon or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Toulon and Santiago de Compostela both are great when exploring on foot.

Toulon is very walkable. You can walk around the old town and harbor area where many of the sights are concentrated.

Santiago de Compostela is a very walkable port city. Many visitors reach the city on foot by doing the pilgrimage of the Camino del Santiago. The city itself and small and fairly walkable as well.

For even more information, also check out Is Toulon Worth Visiting? and Is Santiago de Compostela Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santiago de Compostela or Toulon?

How long in Toulon or Santiago de Compostela?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Toulon or Santiago de Compostela to fill your time. In our opinion, Santiago de Compostela has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Santiago de Compostela than Toulon. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Santiago de Compostela than Toulon. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Santiago de Compostela, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Santiago de Compostela than Toulon. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Santiago de Compostela that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santiago de Compostela than Toulon if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Santiago de Compostela.

One day in Toulon or Santiago de Compostela?

The port city of Toulon offers museums and nightlife. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Santiago de Compostela. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Toulon or Santiago de Compostela?

The authentic destination of Toulon offers nightlife and food. This port city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Santiago de Compostela is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Toulon or Santiago de Compostela?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulon. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santiago de Compostela. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Toulon or Santiago de Compostela?

Toulon is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Toulon. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the iconic destination of Santiago de Compostela. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to France, The Best Budget Tours to France, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Toulon and Santiago de Compostela, we can see that Toulon is more expensive. And not only is Santiago de Compostela much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santiago de Compostela would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santiago de Compostela and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Toulon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Toulon than you might in Santiago de Compostela.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Toulon Expensive? and Is Santiago de Compostela Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Toulon or Santiago de Compostela?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Toulon and Santiago de Compostela, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Toulon or Santiago de Compostela?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Toulon or Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulon and Santiago de Compostela. Most visitors come to Toulon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Toulon is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the summer temperatures in Toulon in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Santiago de Compostela this time of the year. In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during summer. Toulon gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Toulon usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Toulon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Toulon or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Toulon as well as Santiago de Compostela. The autumn months attract visitors to Toulon because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

In October, Toulon is generally around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Toulon average around 16°C (61°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. In the autumn, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Toulon gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela. Toulon usually gets less rain in October than Santiago de Compostela. Toulon gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulon or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Toulon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Toulon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Toulon is much colder than Santiago de Compostela in the winter. The daily temperature in Toulon averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during winter. Toulon gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. In January, Toulon usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Toulon gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Toulon or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Toulon during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Toulon for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Toulon is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the spring temperatures in Toulon in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. In the spring, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Toulon gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets less rain in April than Santiago de Compostela. Toulon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santiago de Compostela and Toulon